COMMISSION AIRES' CORPS

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21409, 27 February 1935, Page 7

COMMISSION AIRES' CORPS

ENGLAND'S EXAMPLE SUPPORT FOR CHRISTCHURCH SCHEME SOUGHT In setting out to establish a Corps of Commissionaires in Christchurch, the executive of the Christchurch Returned Soldiers' Association has been guided by the successful functioning of the corps in London. This was established in 1859 by Sir Edward Walter, and to-day has branches throughout England and Wales, and a membership of more than 4500 uniformed men.

The primary purpose of the founder was an endeavour to obtain suitable employment for wounded pensioners of the army and navy. In his opinion the discipline and training which went to the making of the regular soldier offered a special value in service in civil life. By the careful selection of a nucleus, he sought to break down the "traditional indifference of the nation to the fate of its pensioner soldiers and sailors, and its prejudice against employing them." This he succeeded in doing, and his successors in office have developed the idea until

The first member of the Corps of Commissionaires established by the Christchurch Branch of the Returned Soldiers'. Association,

it has become a recognised institution. with his Majesty the King as Chief Governor. The corps owns the freehold of several valuable build. .:-?s in London, included among which is the office of the High Commissioner of New Zealand, in the Strand. Many Occupations The candidate for enrolment in the London Corps must not be more than -18 years of age, must be in receipt of a pension for service in some branch of his Majesty's regular forces, and must have an unblemished character. He must be prepared to deposit up to the sum of £25 in the savings bank of the corps, and leave it liable to forfeiture should dishonesty be proved against him in a court of law, or for return on his resignation, except for such debts as he may have contracted with the corps or its individual members.

A list of occupations successfully provided by this corps includes office attendants, telephone operators, postal clerks, messengers in banks and business houses, gate and timekeepers, checkers in factories and warehouses, valets, nightwatchmen, caretakers, and even domestic servants. The headquarters and branch offices maintain a district register of members waiting employment. This register is compiled by the administrative office of the corps, and is of the nature of a selection roll. The names of chronic grumblers and others who habitually refuse all but the easiest: work have their place at the bottom. Christchurch Experiment The Christchurch corps is an experiment which will have to justify itself, but arrangements are well >n hand for suitable men to take up the duties offering, and for uniforms, with medals displayed, similar to those already seen in Christchurch. Men of splendid physique will be available for the ordinary duties of tending shop and office main door entrances, opening car doors and ushering clients or customers over the pavements, or directing the movements of purchasers to the various departments of the large stores. Once a membership of, say, six has been built up by the demand for services, these men will be ready'for duty as attendants at

fashionable weddings, both at the church and at the reception, at official functions as doorkeepers, as messengers, or on any special private or public social occasions. Other men wilLj be selected for such services as timekeepers, caretakers, or nightwatchmen. There is no limit to the activities of such a corps. Fully qualified motor-drivers will be ready at a moment's, notice to drive the private owner in his own car for an outing or for a long tour as may be required. Each man will carry the authority of the Christchurch Returned Soldiers' Association, and his uniform will be a guarantee of his integrity. Two Appointments Made So far, two appointments have been made. The management of Warner's Hotel has taken one man, and over the Christmas period the management of the D.I.C. had another man on duty directing the purchasing public to the various departments. It was a member of the Christchurch corps who received the Duke of Gloucester and ushered him into the Christchurch Club 011 the occasion of the visit of his Royal Highness to that institution, and a member also who acted with the committee which was responsible for the entertainment given to the officers and men of the visiting warship, H.M.A.S. Australia, at the ball in the Winter Garden. The support of the Christchurch public is being sought, and it is hoped that a number of men will be taken from relief and other temporary work and absorbed in regular channels of employment.